Afghanistan’s First Specialized Mining Exhibition Opens in Kabul

Afghanistan’s first specialized mining exhibition opened in Kabul, attended by senior officials of the Islamic Emirate and a number of representatives from neighboring and regional countries.

Abdul Salam Hanafi, Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, said at the opening ceremony that Afghanistan possesses a variety of mineral resources, including lithium, gold, emeralds, oil, and gas, and that the government is working to create opportunities for investment in the sector.

He added that measures have been considered to facilitate investment, including tax reductions, simplifying licensing procedures, and providing land for investors.

Hanafi said: “Our efforts are focused on ensuring that Afghanistan’s mineral resources are extracted and processed scientifically and professionally, so that, on the one hand, our beloved country can prosper and, on the other, employment opportunities can be created for our fellow citizens.”

Meanwhile, Nooruddin Azizi, Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, spoke about the country’s mineral exports in the past.

“In the past, Afghanistan’s marble, lapis lazuli, decorative stones, and other raw minerals were exported under the names of other countries. Nearly 12,000 tons of these materials were collected and transported abroad on each ship. Thankfully, this practice has now been prevented,” Azizi said.

The Minister of Mines and Petroleum said that the proper utilization of mineral resources and the expansion of domestic processing could help increase revenues, create job opportunities, and promote economic development.

According to him, more than 180,000 people are currently employed in Afghanistan’s mining sector, and 350 small- and large-scale mining contracts are active.

Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, said: “More than 350 mining contracts are active, of which 44 have been awarded for large-scale operations. In addition, 1,510 professional licenses for gemstone extraction have been issued across Afghanistan.”

Shahabuddin Delawar, head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society, added: “Today, after overcoming extremely difficult circumstances, we are moving toward progress not only in the mining sector but also in electricity, public services, municipal affairs, and agriculture.”

Companies from Afghanistan, India, Iran, and China are participating in the exhibition, showcasing mineral products and related services at 150 booths.

Mirwais Hotak, an exhibitor, said: “We are very happy that, for the first time in Afghanistan’s history, the mining sector has had the opportunity to organize an exhibition, allowing the country’s entrepreneurs to exchange ideas with one another.”

Khwaja Sher Wais, another exhibitor, added: “This exhibition helps us introduce our products to the market and expand our relationships with foreign companies.”

The four-day exhibition, organized by the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum in Kabul, aims to showcase Afghanistan’s mineral potential, attract investment, and encourage the domestic processing of mineral resources.